Microchipping

Lloyd

Some pet owners don’t realize how important microchipping is until it is too late. By implanting a microchip in your pet, you can significantly increase your chances of finding them in the event that they are lost.

What is Microchipping?

Microchipping is the process of injecting a tiny computer chip into your pet’s skin between their shoulder blades. This computer chip is roughly the size of a single grain of rice and contains identifying information about your pet. Should your pet get lost and is turned into a shelter or vet hospital, your pet can be scanned and if the contact information in the database is correct, you will be notified and reunited with your furry loved one.

Does Microchipping Hurt My Pet?

Not at all. The process of implanting a microchip takes seconds and causes no discomfort. Your vet uses a small hypodermic needle to inject the microchip under the skin between your pet’s shoulder blades. No anesthesia is necessary, though pet owners will often ask for their pets to be microchipped while they are already under for another procedure.

Why Should I Microchip My Pet When They Already Have an ID on Their Collar?

While you should still have your pet wear a collar with an ID tag on it, it’s important to supplement this with a microchip. An ID tag will help someone who finds your pet to contact you immediately, and you must use an ID tag to display your pet’s license and rabies tags. That being said, collars often break or are removed by pets, making it impossible for someone to identify them. If this is the case, someone can bring your furry friend to an animal hospital or shelter and reconnect you this way. It’s best to both microchip your pet and have them wear a collar with ID tags.

What If My Cat is an Indoor Cat?

Even if your cat never goes outside, it’s important to microchip them to be safe, especially if you don’t put a collar on them. Cats are notoriously sneaky, often darting out of ajar doors or pushing their way through loose window screens. There is always a chance your cat can escape, so it’s best to microchip them, just in case.

How Effective Is Microchipping at Finding Lost Pets?

Microchipping significantly increases your chances of finding your lost pet. One study from the American Veterinary Medical Association found that, while lost dogs without a microchip were returned to their owners 21.9% of the time, dogs with microchips were returned 52.2% of the time. Cats without microchips were only returned a mere 1.8% of the time, while cats with microchips found their way home 38.5% of the time. Clearly, microchips can make a huge difference.